How to Talk to Kids During Tough Financial Times

Part of being a caregiver includes protecting your child. You protect them when you hold their hand across a busy street or when they’re standing too close to a fire. You might even protect them from learning about certain topics too early.  

When families are going through financial strain, it’s natural to want to hide your struggles. However, children are more aware of their parents’ stress and emotions than we might realize. 

Conversations about money don’t have to be scary. You can talk with children about money in ways that are age-appropriate, reassuring, and that help them build a strong financial foundation.  

Consider these strategies: 

Keep It Simple 

Money is a part of life. Introduce the concept of money in your everyday conversations. 

People need money to buy things they need and want, like food and clothes. 

We make choices on how we spend our money and what is best for our family. Every family is different. 

Many families experience financial strain. If this is the case for your family, you can help explain this to children without overwhelming them with details. You can ease children’s fears by being calm and direct:  

We can get help. Everyone gets help in some way at some point.  

We have a plan for [spending less money/getting help/making changes].  

We will get through this together. 

You’re safe and will have what you need. 

Get Kids Involved 

Kids can feel empowered when they’re part of family decision-making. This can look like showing children two options for snacks at the grocery store and letting them choose one. It could be inviting your child to buy a birthday card or make one at home. Have a conversation about different reasons to choose one over the other. We could buy a card or make one at home. If we make one at home, you can draw Grandpa a striped cat. He loves striped cats! We’ll also save three dollars. What do you think we should do? 

Make Plans 

Show children the value of thinking ahead. Understanding how to make a plan leads to understanding the value of making a budget—a financial plan. 

Begin with basic plans that children are familiar with. You can chat with children when you make a meal plan, or plan for the foods you’ll cook in the week ahead. You can also talk with them about the plans for your weekend, what to do to pack for a trip, or a plan for a special occasion or event. 

Model Flexibility and Resourcefulness 

You can prepare children to handle life’s unexpected twists and turns — including financial ones. When things don’t go according to plan, talk through making a new one. Flexibility and resourcefulness are life skills that benefit children in their financial lives and beyond. 

We don’t have wrapping paper for your aunt’s birthday present. Instead of buying some, we can use some of your art projects to wrap her present. That will be extra special. 

Special Thanks